Effects of the inclusion of fluted pumpkin ( <i>Telfairia occidentalis Hook. f.</i> ) leaf extract in drinking water on growth performance, intestinal histological structure, and enzymatic activity in Cobb 500 broiler chickens

This study was conducted to assess the effects of Telfairia occidentalis leaf extract on the growth performance, feed conversion ratio, intestinal morphology, and enzymatic activity of broiler chickens. A total of six hundred Cobb 500 broilers were divided into four groups: group 1, which was fed a standard diet (control, C group); group 2, which was fed a standard diet plus 0.5 g/L tetracolivit (antibiotic) in the drinking water for three consecutive days once every 28 days (T group); and groups 3 and 4, which were fed a standard diet plus 1 and 2 mL hydroethanolic extract of Telfairia occidentalis leaves in the drinking water every day throughout the experiment (TOE-1 group, TOE-2 group), respectively. By days 21 and 49, the results indicated that the TOE-2 group presented significantly higher body weight and daily weight gain and a lower feed conversion ratio than did the control group. Additionally, TOE-2 exhibited enhanced intestinal morphology and morphometry. The feed consumption did not vary significantly during the experiment. The enzymatic response from the chickens revealed elevated amylase and lipase levels in TOE-2. Minimal mortality across all groups underscored the supplement’s safety. It can be concluded that Telfairia occidentalis leaf extract at a dose of 2 mL/L could offer a viable alternative to synthetic growth promoters, enhancing intestinal health, feed efficiency, and growth performance in broilers.